Is an independent diaspora-led political movement based in Switzerland, committed to advancing human rights, international accountability, and Lebanese sovereignty through global engagement.
Registered non-profit association in Switzerland CHE-159.574.379
"For a free, sovereign, and accountable Lebanon, driven by the strength of the Lebanese diaspora"
The Lebanese Swiss Association
INITIATIVES
This section highlights the key initiatives led by the Lebanese Swiss Association, focused on promoting accountability, international engagement, and meaningful impact for Lebanon.
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Criminal Complaint Submitted to Swiss Authorities
The Lebanese Swiss Association (LSA) submitted a formal criminal complaint to the competent Swiss authorities regarding suspected cross-border illicit financial flows linked to Lebanon since 2019. This initiative aims to defend the rights of the Lebanese people, particularly depositors affected by the financial crisis, and forms part of broader efforts to promote accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. The legal process is now underway, and LSA remains committed to pursuing justice and supporting all affected parties within the framework of applicable laws.
Diaspora Coordination Meeting on Electoral Reform in Lebanon
In June 30 - 2025, the Lebanese Swiss Association (LSA) convened a coordination meeting in Winterthur, bringing together representatives of Lebanese diaspora organizations from Switzerland and abroad. The initiative focused on advocating for the repeal of Articles 112 and 122 of the Lebanese electoral law, due to concerns regarding fair representation and the democratic rights of Lebanese citizens abroad. The meeting concluded with the signing of a joint petition by participating organizations, to be officially submitted to Lebanese authorities through diplomatic channels. Participants also agreed to maintain ongoing coordination and to organize further initiatives aimed at promoting more inclusive and equitable political representation for the Lebanese diaspora.
International Call for Accountability in the Beirut Port Explosion
The Lebanese Swiss Association (LSA), in coordination with numerous Lebanese and international organizations, joined a global advocacy initiative calling for immediate international sanctions against individuals obstructing justice in the investigation of the Beirut Port explosion of August 4, 2020. The initiative supported the work of Judge Tarek Bitar and highlighted ongoing political interference and judicial obstruction, urging the international community to take decisive measures to ensure accountability, protect judicial independence, and secure justice for the victims and their families.
National Meeting of Lebanese Diaspora Organizations – Switzerland 2022
On October 8, 2022, the Lebanese Swiss Association (LSA) organized a national meeting bringing together Lebanese diaspora representatives and members of the Lebanese Parliament. The meeting was attended by Members of Parliament Elias Stephan, Camille Chamoun, Elias Khoury, and Jihad Bakradouni, and included a recorded message from MP Antoine Habchi. Discussions focused on pursuing international legal avenues to address the Beirut Port explosion and advancing efforts to combat corruption in Lebanon, with an emphasis on accountability and coordination at the international level.
Third Conference of the Lebanese Swiss Association – Zurich 2021
The Lebanese Swiss Association (LSA) held its third conference in Zurich, bringing together international representatives and Members of Parliament to address the multifaceted crisis in Lebanon. The discussions emphasized the need to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty, strengthen institutional stability, and combat systemic corruption. Key outcomes included calls for the implementation of United Nations resolutions, international oversight of the 2022 parliamentary elections, and coordinated legal and political efforts at the international level to ensure accountability, protect human rights, and support a stable and sovereign Lebanese state.
International Appeal to the United Nations Security Council on Lebanon
On August 9, 2021, the Lebanese Swiss Association (LSA), in coordination with Lebanese civil society organizations in Lebanon and across the diaspora, launched a joint international appeal to members of the United Nations Security Council. The initiative called for urgent action in response to Lebanon’s severe political, economic, and humanitarian collapse, highlighting the state’s inability to fulfill its fundamental responsibilities toward its population. The appeal was formally submitted to multiple embassies in Geneva and Bern, urging the international community to act under the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), including the adoption of targeted sanctions, the organization of a UN emergency session on Lebanon, and the deployment of international support mechanisms to safeguard stability, accountability, and human rights.
Commemoration of the Beirut Port Explosion Victims – Geneva
On August 4, 2021, the Lebanese Swiss Association (LSA) organized a public gathering at the Place des Nations in Geneva to mark the first anniversary of the Beirut Port explosion. Bringing together members of the Lebanese diaspora, the event paid tribute to the victims and provided a space for collective remembrance and solidarity. The initiative also carried a strong message calling for justice and accountability, including demands to lift political immunity obstructing the investigation, and reaffirmed the diaspora’s commitment to ensuring that the tragedy is neither forgotten nor left without consequence.
Appeal to the United Nations on Lebanon’s Maritime Border Rights
A delegation comprising representatives from Lebanese civil society groups, political movements, and diaspora organizations met with the United Nations’ facilitator of indirect maritime border negotiations to address concerns over Lebanon’s southern maritime boundaries. The delegation submitted an official letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, calling for stronger UN intervention to safeguard Lebanon’s maritime resources. The appeal emphasized the need to consider the area between Lines 1 and 29 as disputed territory and to halt any exploration activities until a final resolution is reached, warning against potential misappropriation of national resources by the ruling authorities.
Advocacy with Amnesty International for Freedom of Expression in Lebanon
The Lebanese-Swiss Association is actively engaged in defending freedom of expression in Lebanon by addressing international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International. In light of increasing legal pressure on activists and journalists, the Association has formally submitted concerns highlighting the misuse of defamation laws and judicial processes to silence dissenting voices. This initiative focuses on exposing politically motivated lawsuits and protecting individuals who speak out against corruption. Through direct communication with Amnesty International and continued international advocacy, the Association works to ensure that fundamental freedoms in Lebanon are upheld and that no citizen is punished for exercising their right to free expression.
LSA Conference for Lebanon 2021 – Call for UN Action
Following its 2021 conference in Winterthur, the Lebanese-Swiss Association issued an international statement highlighting the failure of the Lebanese state and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The Association called on the United Nations to take decisive action, including invoking Chapter VII of the UN Charter and activating the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), in order to restore stability, accountability, and democratic governance in Lebanon.
Humanitarian Support Initiative During Lebanon’s Economic Crisis
In 2021, the Lebanese-Swiss Association (LSA) launched a humanitarian initiative to support families affected by the severe economic crisis in Lebanon. Through coordinated fundraising efforts, essential food packages were prepared and distributed to those in need across affected communities. This initiative reflects the Association’s commitment to solidarity, dignity, and direct support, ensuring that vulnerable families receive practical assistance during times of hardship.
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Petition on Crimes Against Humanity Submitted in Coordination with International Partners
The Lebanese International Lobby, in coordination with the Lebanese Swiss Association, supported the publication of a petition holding the Lebanese state accountable for alleged crimes against humanity under Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The initiative aimed to raise international awareness and reinforce calls for accountability within a legal and international framework.
Meeting with Swiss Parliament Member on Anti-Corruption Efforts
On February 11, 2021, the Lebanese-Swiss Association in coordination with the Lebanese International Lobby held an official meeting with Swiss Member of Parliament Fabian Molina to address the ongoing challenges of corruption in Lebanon. The discussion focused on promoting transparency, strengthening accountability, and exploring international mechanisms to combat systemic corruption. Particular attention was given to the issue of misappropriated and stolen assets, and the role of international cooperation in supporting their recovery. This meeting reflects the Association’s commitment to engaging with international partners to advance reform and uphold good governance in Lebanon.
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Official Request to Swiss Authorities on Suspected Lebanese Assets
On February 24, 2020, the Lebanese-Swiss Association submitted an official request to the Swiss Federal Chancellery, calling for an investigation into financial transfers originating from Lebanon, as well as the freezing of bank accounts linked to politically exposed persons (PEPs) suspected of corruption. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with civil society partners, including Beirut Madinati, MCLM, Impact Lebanon, and Meghterbin Mejtemin. The request aimed to promote transparency, strengthen accountability, and support the recovery of misappropriated public funds, reflecting the Association’s commitment to combating corruption through international legal channels.
Launch of the Lebanese International Lobby (LIL)
In January 2021, the Lebanese-Swiss Association played a leading role in the launch of the Lebanese International Lobby (LIL), an international initiative aimed at uniting Lebanese diaspora organizations under a common platform. Building on its efforts to connect and mobilize Lebanese groups abroad, the Association contributed to bringing together multiple organizations committed to coordinated action. The creation of LIL as an umbrella structure reflects a shared vision to strengthen collective influence, advocate for reform, and amplify the voice of the Lebanese diaspora on the international stage.
Webinar with World Economic Forum Economist Maroun Kairouz
The Lebanese-Swiss Association organized a webinar with international economic expert Maroun Cairose, focusing on the legal and economic frameworks needed to address corruption and recover misappropriated Lebanese assets abroad. The discussion highlighted key international mechanisms for tracing and freezing illicit funds linked to politically exposed persons (PEPs), as well as the importance of cooperation between jurisdictions and financial institutions. Particular emphasis was placed on practical pathways to strengthen transparency, ensure accountability, and support Lebanon’s financial recovery through coordinated international action.
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Winterthur Conference for Lebanon 2020
On September 12, 2020, the Lebanese-Swiss Association convened the Winterthur Conference for Lebanon, bringing together key speakers to address the country’s crisis and propose concrete reforms. The conference emphasized combating corruption through measures such as freezing overseas accounts linked to politically exposed persons (PEPs) and recovering misappropriated public funds, while also calling for institutional reforms, including an independent government, electoral transparency under international supervision, and strengthened judicial independence.
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Advocacy Letter to the United Nations on Human Rights in Lebanon
The Lebanese Swiss Association (LSA) addressed the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva to raise concerns about the humanitarian and human rights situation in Lebanon. The initiative highlighted issues related to poverty, access to healthcare and education, judicial independence, and systemic corruption, while calling for international attention and accountability through appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms.